Subsidized and Public Housing in New York

To find affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges in New York. NYC is a very expensive city to live in. There are some programs for low-income and middle-income families, but waiting lists are usually very long. There are also lotteries for affordable housing, and to apply you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. See more information below.

From: http://www.nycrgb.org/html/guide/subsidized.html

SUBSIDIZED & PUBLIC HOUSINGWhat Is It & Where Can You Find It?

Subsidized HousingincludesMitchell-Lamamiddle-income apartments, low-incomePublic Housingunder the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA), and apartments financed withSection 8Certificates and Vouchers administered by NYCHA and the NYC Department of Housing Development & Preservation (HPD). In general, public housing is reserved for low income families and there is a long waiting list. However, depending on your family’s characteristics and where you want to live, the waiting list may be shorter.